Mission Statement

As part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute’s mission is to “conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind.”

Eye Health and Safety

Fun Stuff

Protective Eyewear

Whether you’re on the basketball court, in chemistry class, or sitting by the pool, wearing protective eyewear is the best way to keep your eyes healthy and injury-free. In fact, the majority of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the right protective eyewear. Check out the list of activities below to see what you need to protect your eyes.

Play basketball or soccer?

Wear sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

Going for a bike ride?

Always wear a helmet. You’ll also want sunglasses or glasses with clear lenses to protect your eyes from the wind and any bugs.

Play baseball?

If you’re up to bat, wear a helmet with an attached faceguard. If you’re fielding, wear sports goggles.

Wear your sunglasses. They protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage your eyes. Pick sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.

Are you a paintball pro?

Always wear your paintball goggles or mask.

Play ice hockey?

You need a face mask or polycarbonate guard that’s attached to a helmet.

Are you a football player?

Always wear your helmet with an attached face shield.

Play lacrosse?

Girls need protective goggles but have the option to wear headgear with full face protection. Boys are required to wear a helmet with a full face mask. So are goalies, regardless of whether you’re a boy or a girl.

Into field hockey?

Goalies need helmets with a full face mask. All other players should wear sports goggles. Girls’ lacrosse goggles also work for field hockey.

Into a racquet sport like squash or racquetball?

Wear sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

Mowing the lawn?

Pick up trash or anything that could fly into your eyes while mowing, and remember to wear safety goggles.

Using chemicals in chemistry class?

Look like a real scientist by wearing your splash-proof goggles or safety glasses. You can also wear these when using cleaning products at home.

Do you fence?

You need to wear a wire mesh mask so your whole face is protected.

Ask a ScientistHow do glasses work? Find out with Dr. Bishop

Did You Know?

If you wear glasses or contacts, most protective eyewear can be made to match your prescription.